International WIE Day 2024 : Empowering Women in STEM
The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Sri Lanka Section hosted a spectacular International Women in Engineering Day celebration on June 29, 2024. This vibrant event brought together a diverse group of professionals, academics, and students to celebrate the significant contributions of women in STEM fields. The event was meticulously organized, providing a platform for networking, learning, and inspiration.
The day commenced with a warm welcome from the compere, Githmi Gunawardena, who set an enthusiastic tone for the celebration. She extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees and highlighted the importance of recognizing and fostering the talents of women in engineering and technology.
The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Ms. Gresha Samarakkody, Chair of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, addressing the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and achieving excellence in engineering.
The keynote speech, delivered by Ms. Shinalee Peiris, General Manager of Strategy and Operations at EConsulate, was a highlight of the event. Titled “Breaking Barriers in STEM: Stories of Success and Lessons Learned,” Ms. Peiris shared her journey and insights from over a decade in the IT field. Her inspiring words resonated with the audience, encouraging them to persevere and excel in their careers.
Following a short tea break, the event resumed with a panel discussion on “Mentorship and Sponsorship: Building Networks that Empower.” Moderated by Ms. Mishel Perera, Associate Project Manager at Arimac Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the discussion explored the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in professional growth and network building.
Following a short tea break, the event resumed with a panel discussion on “Mentorship and Sponsorship: Building Networks that Empower.” Moderated by Ms. Mishel Perera, Associate Project Manager at Arimac Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the discussion explored the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in professional growth and network building.
The hands-on workshop by Ms. Sachini Herath, Head of AI Solutions at Dialog Axiata PLC, was another standout session. Titled “GenAI Tools for Education,” the workshop provided participants with practical insights into the transformative potential of AI in educational settings. Ms. Herath’s expertise and engaging presentation left a lasting impression on the attendees.
A delightful lunch break provided a welcome respite and an opportunity for informal networking. The event resumed with the awards presentation for WIE Odyssey, a competition celebrating the experiences of IEEE Women in Engineering members. Kasundi Neelagolla from SLTC Research University and Shashika Lokuliyana from Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology were recognized for their outstanding contributions in the Video and Flyer categories, respectively.
Ms. Gresha Samarakkody returned to the stage to introduce “Code With WIE,” an initiative aimed at promoting coding skills among women. Her presentation underscored the significance of coding proficiency in today’s technological landscape.
The networking session that followed was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the IEEE community. Attendees engaged in meaningful exchanges, fostering connections that would undoubtedly lead to future collaborations and innovations.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Gayashani, Vice Chair of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, who expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for making the day a success. The IEEE WIE Day Celebration 2024 ended on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to continue their journey in STEM with renewed vigor.
In essence, the IEEE WIE Day Celebration 2024 was a resounding success, highlighting the achievements of women in engineering and providing a platform for future growth and collaboration. The event not only celebrated the past and present contributions of women in STEM but also paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in engineering and technology. The program was chaired by Ms. Abarna.